The University of Missouri’s Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute says farm finances remain mixed heading into 2026. The latest outlook shows continued financial pressure for crop producers, while the livestock sector, especially cattle, is seeing strong profitability. Net returns for most row crops remain weak, even with a modest rebound expected in grain and oilseed prices. Corn is projected to average $4.31 for the 2026 crop, with soybeans at $10.39 per bushel for the 2026-2027 marketing year. Prices for wheat and other crops are also expected to improve slightly, but margins are still tight and remain below the 10-year average. In contrast, the cattle sector continues to benefit from a shrinking beef cow herd, supporting record prices and strong returns for cow-calf producers. However, the report notes that cycle could begin to shift, with cattle prices expected to decline starting in 2027 as production expands.
